Recognizing National Issues and Concern

CHAPTER 6
NATIONAL SECURITY
 MAPÚA UNIVERSITY – NATIONAL SERVICE TRAINING PROGRAM

NATIONAL SECURITY
THE NATIONAL SITUATION OF THE PHILIPPINES (PIA 2018)
Press Statement of Hermogenes Esperon Jr, Director General, National Security Council

The Philippines was stable and secure in 2018.

We recall that in 2018, the security sector was preoccupied with the following:

In the external environment, the West Philippine Sea issue remained to be contentious due to overlapping
territorial claims and maritime domain concerns among the various claimants. The great powers contest had
actually shifted focus towards the contested waters of the South China Sea/West Philippine Sea, and in Asia in
general

Amidst this renewed global interest on Asia, the Duterte Administration adopted a “middle ground” position
signifying that the Philippines is a friend to all and an enemy to none. With this mindset, the Philippines had
embarked on an independent foreign policy that forges new partnerships with China and Russia, while
maintaining ties with traditional partners such as the United States.

In securing the country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea, we continue the use of
diplomatic engagements with China and other claimant states without compromising Philippine national
interest. The Bilateral Consultative Mechanism with China was established while the ASEAN-centered
negotiations for the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea was formalized.

The Philippines also pursued the development of its deterrence capabilities for a credible defense posture,
particularly through the increased funding allocation by Congress. The improvement of facilities in the
Philippine-occupied features in the West Philippine Sea were also undertaken.

Trans-boundary issues such as terrorism, drug-trafficking, piracy, smuggling, and human trafficking are being
addressed through the strong collaborative mechanisms within the ASEAN framework. The Philippines remains
an active member-state that recognizes the ASEAN way in undertaking concerted actions against security
threats and challenges in the region.

In the Philippines, illegal drugs have become a national security threat. The campaign against illegal drugs has
become a primary mission and the campaign will even be more intensified to eradicate the menace.
The terrorist threat posed by local communist terrorist groups and other extremist groups continue to threaten
the lives, properties, and freedoms of the Filipino people. They hamper the country’s potential economic gains
and progress.

The threat from ISIS-affiliated groups remains despite their resounding defeat in Marawi, which is now
undergoing reconstruction and rehabilitation.

Elsewhere, in areas where there are local terrorist groups such as the Abu Sayyaf, Maute and the BIFF, the
operations will be relentless. More security forces will be deployed, as necessary.

Only a few weeks ago, President Duterte issued Executive Order 70 (EO 70) providing for a Whole-of-Nation
approach in defeating the Local Communist Terrorist Groups. A National Task Force to End Local Communist
Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) was created to synchronize the utilization of the government’s instrumentalities of
power with the capabilities of private sector stakeholders to finally end the 50-year long deceit, lies and
atrocities committed by the communist terrorists against the people.

The President himself is leading the way By taking the role of National Task Force Commander, he is
demonstrating resolve to fulfill his vow to provide a better future for the Filipino people.

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The “Whole-of-Nation Approach” gives importance to inclusive and sustainable framework towards attaining
peace. In this light, the government remained persistent in implementing the Enhanced Comprehensive
Localized Integration Program (E-CLIP), wherein rebel returnees have found alternatives to a life of crime and
violence.

On the Mindanao situation, the recent Congressional approval to extend Martial Law demonstrates
government’s commitment at maintaining peace and order and eliminating extremist influence in the region.
The extended implementation of Martial Law will be vital in ensuring the success of the upcoming plebiscite of
the Bangsamoro Organic Law in January 2019.

Prospects are bright for an even more stable and secure nation in 2019. With the NSS and the “Whole-of-
Nation Approach” in place, the security sector will become more robust in addressing future security
challenges. We are optimistic that as we are able to provide continuing stability, more developmental
prospects, small and big – such as our Build, Build, Build projects -- will see fruition. All these will translate to
improved economic standing and better living conditions of most Filipinos.

HUMAN SECURITY AND NATIONAL SECURITY

Since time immemorial, man has an awareness and knowledge about security. In ancient era, man has devised
means to protect himself from ferocious animals and harsh conditions. As the society advanced, they learned
to create tools and weapons to safeguard their lives and their properties. In our country, heroes were born
because they strive to save our people from conquerors. Currently, every country has its own way of defending
and maintaining its human and national security.

In the 1994 United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Report, human security was referred to as
having two aspects:

“…first safety from such chronic threats as hunger, disease and repression…second, it means protection
from sudden and hurtful disruptions in the patterns of daily life – whether in homes, in jobs, or in
communities. Such threats can exist at all levels of national income and development.”

This was supplemented by an explanation from the former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan which states that:

“Human security, in its broadest sense, embraces far more than the absence of violent conflict. It
encompasses human rights, good governance, access to education and health care and ensuring that each
individual has opportunities and choices to fulfill his or her potential… Every step in this direction is also a
step towards reducing poverty, achieving economic growth and preventing conflict. Freedom from want,
freedom from fear, and the freedom of future generations to inherit a healthy natural environment – these
are the interrelated building blocks of human – and therefore national – security.”

Thus, according to the United Nations (UN) Commission, Human Security:

 seeks to “protect the vital core of all human lives in ways that enhance human freedoms and human
fulfillment”

 requires “protecting people from critical and pervasive threats” and "empowering them to take charge
of their own lives"

 “protection and empowerment are mutually reinforcing and cannot succeed in isolation”

Commission puts emphasis on the “need for comprehensive, integrated and people-centered solutions that
together can help people develop the building blocks of survival, livelihood and dignity”

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National Security is defined as the state or condition wherein the values which a nation treasures such as
territorial integrity, sovereignty, people’s way of life and well-being are protected and enhanced. It is the
requirement to maintain the survival of the nation-state through the use of economic military and political
power and the exercise of diplomacy. The measures taken to ensure national security include:

 Using diplomacy to rally allies and isolate threats;

 Maintaining effective armed forces;
 Implementing civil defense and emergency preparedness measures (including anti-terrorism
legislation);
 Ensuring the resilience and security of critical infrastructure; and
 Using intelligence services to detect and defeat or avoid threats and espionage, and to protect
classified information.

In the Philippine context as indicated by the NSC Permanent Secretariat, National Security is described as a
condition or state of being where the Filipino people’s values, way of life, institutions, welfare, and well-being,
sovereignty and strategic relations are protected and enhanced. The elements of National Security are the
following:

 Moral-spiritual consensus
 Cultural cohesiveness
 Economic solidarity
 Socio-political stability Ecological balance
 Territorial integrity
 International harmony

THREE MAJOR PILLARS OF NATIONAL SECURITY

(National Security Policy 2017-2022, National Security Council)

1. Safeguarding the Philippine’s national Unity, its democracy and its social institutions – All citizens share
one national identity that is, being Filipinos regardless of their ethnic, religious, cultural and ideological
orientation.

2. Security of the State and preserving and protecting its sovereignty, territorial integrity and institutions
– This is provided in the Constitution as stated in the following:
 Definition of national territory consistent with new international covenants (Art. I)
 Renunciation of war as an instrument of national policy (Art. II Sec. 2)
 Civilian supremacy over military (Art. II Sec. 3)
 Role of the armed forces as protector of the people and the State (Art. II Sec. 3)
 Maintenance of peace and order, the protection of life, liberty and property and the promotion of
the general welfare (Art. II Sec. 5)
 Pursuit of an independent foreign policy based on national sovereignty and national interest (Art.
II Sec. 7)
 Right to self-determination (Art. II Sec. 7)
 Freedom from nuclear weapons (Art II Sec. 8)
 Suspension of the writ of habeas corpus (Art. III Sec. 15)
 Concept of a citizen army (Art XVI Sec. 4)

3. Protection of properties, infrastructures and keeping the people safe from all forms of threats, both
here and abroad, and to the extent possible, creating jobs in order to bring back home overseas
Filipino workers where their physical safety can be fully guaranteed by the Government.

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NATIONAL SECURITY INTEREST

From the Preamble and the mandate of the President, there are eight (8) National Security Interest that serve
as the Government strategic focus with regard to the country’s security.

1. Public Safety, Law and Order and Justice

2. Socio-Political Stability
3. Economic Solidarity and Sustainable Development
4. Territorial Integrity
5. Ecological Balance
6. Cultural Cohesiveness
7. Moral and Spiritual Consensus
8. International Peace and Cooperation

NATIONAL SECURITY AND THE NSTP PROGRAM

The 1987 Philippine Constitution enshrined in its Declaration of Principles that the Filipinos are duty-bound to
protect the country and, as such, they may be subjected to undergo service training programs (Art. II, Sec.
14, The Philippine Constitution).

The Government may call upon the people to defend the state, and in fulfillment thereof, all citizens may be
required, under conditions provided by law, to render personal, military or civil service.

The NSTP is a program aimed at enhancing civic consciousness and defense preparedness in the youth by
developing the ethics of service and patriotism while undergoing training in any of its three (3) program
components, specifically designed to enhance the youth's active contribution to the general welfare.

MANPOWER RESERVOIR FOR NATIONAL SECURITY

1. Graduates of CWTS and LTS shall belong to the National Service Reserve Corps (NSRC) which could
be tapped by the State for literacy and civic welfare activities such assisting in disaster preparedness,
mitigation, response and rehabilitation programs.

2. Graduates of the ROTC component shall form part of the AFP Citizen Armed Forces and AFP
Reserve Force, subject to DND requirements.

THREATS TO NATIONAL SECURITY

A. Man Made Threats
a. Terrorism
b. Explosion/Bomb Threats
c. Campus Violence/Frat and Gang War
d. Kidnapping/Hostage Taking
e. Drug Addiction
f. Armed Robberies/Hold Ups
g. Snatching
h. Sabotage
i. Fire
j. Technological Threats such as gambling through number games, internet hold ups and cyber-crimes
(computer hacking, computer pilferage, ATM stealing and cyber prostitution)

B. Natural Threats
a. Earthquakes
b. Typhoons
c. Floods
d. Volcanic Eruptions
e. Tsunamis

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ROLE OF THE YOUTH IN NATIONAL SECURITY

“We are addressing youth today, because youth have placed themselves on the top of the
agenda.”
- Ban Ki-moon, Secretary General of the United Nation

In an article entitle “10 Ways Youth Can Make an Impact”, it provided the youth means to contribute to the
country’s national security. It emphasized that youth engagement can bring about social change. It sends a
message that the youth don’t have to wait to become adults to be significant and active members of the
society.

1. Know your rights. Read up, get informed and practice your right!! The youth can maximize their
rights if they are well-informed. The existing rights are only of value to the youth if they are
understood, observed and used.

2. Learn about local issues. What are the concerns plaguing your community? How are the concerns
affecting you and your immediate environment? Knowing the problem can lead to possible solutions
and the youth’s role in the grand scheme of things.

3. Speak out. Don’t be afraid to speak your mind either online, through social media, and offline,
gatherings and meetings. Be assertive and express your interests. Someone is bound to read or to
listen to it. However, be responsible of what you aired and support it with facts. Also, respect the
views of others regardless if it agrees or disagrees with you.

4. Network. There is strength in numbers. Reach out to them and learn their efforts and initiatives. It
could pave way to bigger things for you.

5. Spread the word. Talk to your friends and family about the concerns and issues you see as
important. You can provide a voice to unaddressed issues, educate and influence the people around
you.

6. Join campaigns. Be one with the people having the same vision and initiative as you. Create
solutions and actions that can be done in your community.

7. Host a youth summit. Learn and share your perspectives and views with peers as well as decision-
makers. Schools and local organizations can be of great support to you in trying to create a forum for
the exchange of ideas. Bring together different communities and understand what you have in
common, as well as your differences in interests and perspectives.

8. Use your creativity. Use your passion for the arts and your hobbies into a productive action towards
your ideals.

9. Join/create a youth organization. Local youth organizations are great places to expand your
knowledge and become an active member of your society. If your community doesn’t have an
organization representing youth, create one. Be the trendsetter!

10. Be an inspiration. Believe in yourself, and follow your passion. Passionate youth will change the
world.

SOURCE: https://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/blog/2015/8/11/10-ways-youth-can-make-an-impact.html

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